Guided Surface EM Waves for Long-Range Wireless Sensor Interrogation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote and wireless sensing technologies face challenges in long-distance communication and harsh environments due to rapid attenuation of electromagnetic waves, limiting their application in large systems and environments such as pipelines, power plants, and well-bores.
Innovation Solution
The use of single line guided surface electromagnetic (EM) waves, known as Goubau waves, propagated along a metallic conductor to interrogate remote wireless sensors, enabling longer-distance communication and secure data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If free space electromagnetic waves are used for wireless sensing, then wireless communication is achieved, but the communication range is limited due to rapid attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a conducting structure (pipeline, power line, or other conductor) as an intermediary medium to guide electromagnetic waves between the sensor and interrogator. This mediator enables long-distance communication by confining and guiding the EM waves along the conductor surface, dramatically reducing attenuation compared to free space propagation.
2Reliability
If free space electromagnetic waves are used for sensing, then wireless operation is achieved, but performance degrades in harsh environments due to high attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The conducting structure serves as a protected intermediary that shields the electromagnetic wave propagation from harsh environmental conditions. By guiding waves along the conductor surface rather than through free space, the system achieves reliable operation in high temperature, radiation, and subsurface conditions where free space propagation would fail.
3Loss of information
If conventional wireless networks are used for data transfer, then wireless communication is achieved, but data security concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The conducting structure acts as a secure intermediary transmission path that is physically confined and difficult to intercept. Unlike omnidirectional free space wireless signals that can be easily eavesdropped on, the guided EM waves travel along the conductor surface, providing inherent physical security against unauthorized access and data interception.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly extends the interrogation distance of wireless sensors, allows for distributed sensing and secure data transfer, and is capable of detecting local disturbances in dielectric properties, making it suitable for harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
communicate the RF interrogation signal on the conductor as a number of first electromagnetic (EM) waves propagated on an outer surface of the conductor
Implementation Method 2
the wireless sensor is structured and configured to receive the RF interrogation signal based on the number of first EM waves and in response to the RF interrogation signal generate a backscattered RF signal
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods using single conductor guided surface electromagnetic (EM) waves to interrogate distant wireless active or passive sensor devices or media surrounding the conductor. The guided waves may be launched on the conductor over a wide frequency range (e.g., MHz to several GHz) using an RF launcher that is connected to an interrogator. Such guided surface EM waves can travel significantly longer distances as compared to the free space propagation of waves because they travel by waveguiding along the conductor surface. Using these waves, power and/or data can be delivered to sensors located on or near the conductor surface, and data can be received from the sensors.